- collective efforts required to fix Nigeria — Abati
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Vice Chancellor, Baze University, Abuja, Prof. Jamila Shu’ara, has described education as most potent tool to drive the socioeconomic change needed in the Nigeria and beyond.
She thus challenged the government and relevant stakeholders to pursue the cause of quality and affordable education for Nigerians so they could champion global socioeconomic transformation and contribute to global discussions.
Prof. Shu’ara spoke at the Founder’s Day celebration of the University, in Abuja, on Tuesday, which marked 14 years of Baze University academic excellence and innovation.
She explained that the Founder’s Day is always an opportunity to celebrate the vision, the visioner, and all the people that are working or had worked towards the realisation of the vision.
She described Baze University as a positive key disruption in Nigeria’s education sector. At Baze University, we teach our students to be leaders of tomorrow, job and wealth creators and not job seekers. Our students and parents have hope on us, our country and tomorrow. You could see that in the quality of interactions they had with the keynote speaker.
“The tutelage they go through prepare them well enough for the challenges of tomorrow. As a University celebrating 14 years of establishment, we look hopeful and optimistic of brighter future. We see Baze University emerging one of the best Universities in Nigeria and even beyond.
“Regarding the Founder’s Day, it is an opportunity to celebrate the visioner, the faculties and the staff that supported the vision, thereby, culminating in the quality of the products (graduates) we have been producing.”
The University’s Chancellor and Founder, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, in his remarks, described the Founder’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the University, and the individuals behind the success.
He assured that better days are ahead as regards the dream of the University to be known and regarded as a major reference institution when it comes to discussions of quality and transformational education.
In a keynote address titled “Leadership in a Disruptive Era: Ethics, Accountability, and the Future of Governance in Nigeria” delivered by Dr. Reuben Abati, a renowned journalist, television presenter, and public intellectual, he highlighted the importance of collective efforts to fixed the socioeconomic and political challenges of Nigeria.
He said: “The governance challenges in Nigeria require urgent and comprehensive action from policymakers, political leaders, civil servants, and the public. The discourse on ethics, accountability, and the future of governance has underscored the need for transformative leadership, institutional strengthening, and the responsible use of technology.
“As Nigeria navigates an increasingly complex and disruptive era, the imperative of ethical leadership and sustained accountability cannot be overstated. The long-term stability and prosperity of the nation depend on governance reforms that prioritize public trust, inclusivity, and transparency.
“Policy makers must embrace evidence-based decision-making and policy continuity to ensure that developmental programmes are not abandoned due to political transitions. Policy frameworks should also be aligned with long-term national development goals, while legislative processes must incorporate public participation to ensure that governance reflects the needs of citizens.
“Additionally, political leaders must exemplify integrity, placing national interest above personal or party interests. Ethical leadership fosters trust and legitimacy, which are essential for national stability and socio-economic growth, while civil servants must internalize professionalism and accountability in public service delivery.”
He said that as the backbone of government institutions, their commitment to efficiency, fairness, and public interest can significantly impact Nigeria’s governance outcomes, while the public, as stakeholders in governance, must engage in civic participation through voting, advocacy, and social audits to hold leaders accountable and demand ethical governance.
He encouraged Nigerians to also speak up and out in holding leaders accountable, insisting that ethical leadership is not a matter of discretion but a categorical imperative.
“In the 2020 #EndSARS protest, Nigerians witnessed the Soro Soke (Speak Up/Speak Out) phenomenon organized and operationalized mainly by Nigerian youths. Their demands may not have been met but the protest was a major historical marker in the relationship between the youths and the Nigerian government.”